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INTERACTIONS BETWEEN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND DIABETES T2: REVIEW OF THE STATE OF THE ART.
Objective. To summarize scientific evidence published between 2020 and 2025 on the effects of physical training programs in adults with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) or in preventive contexts, analyzing their components, intensities, physiological mechanisms, safety criteria, and adherence factors. Methodology. A narrative review with an interpretative and thematic focus was conducted using databases such as Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and SciELO. Experimental and quasi-experimental studies, systematic reviews, and clinical guidelines involving non-athlete adults, published in Spanish and English, were included. Articles were grouped into axes related to exercise prescription, intensity, resistance training, adherence, physiological mechanisms, and safety. Results. Twenty-four studies were analyzed, showing that programs combining aerobic (endurance) and resistance training produce significant improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness, vascular function, and quality of life. Exercise intensity and adherence to the program appear as key determinants of clinical impact, with high-intensity interval training (HIIT) emerging as a safe and effective modality when properly individualized and supervised. Mitochondrial, anti-inflammatory, and endothelial adaptations are identified as key physiological mechanisms underlying the cardiovascular benefits of exercise. Conclusion. Individually tailored, progressive, and supervised exercise prescription is an effective and safe strategy for the prevention and management of CVD in adults, improving functional capacity, vascular health, and cardiovascular risk markers. These findings support the systematic inclusion of combined training and carefully monitored HIIT in cardiovascular prevention and rehabilitation programs.
